Gentle Pass TimesGentle Pass TimesThis presentation is intended as a

guideline for hospice volunteers who wish to learn more about how to

companion mindfully with those who are actively dying.

None of the guidelines mentioned in this presentation are hospice specific.

You are advised to follow the rules and regulations of the hospice that you

are volunteering for.

Gentle Pass TimesGentle Pass Times

A transition volunteer training

CHAPTER ONE

• What is transition care?

• What to bring/What to know

• Introductions/Working with staff members

• The intensity of people

• What kind of questions can you expect?

• The signs & symptoms of dying

Topics shared todayTopics shared today

• What can you do for a patient?

• What can you do for loved ones?

• Children and pets

• Restless patients

• What NOT to do

• When the patient dies

• The importance of self care

Topics shared Topics shared todaytoday

What is transition careWhat is transition care??

Support at the END of life

Patient is often unresponsive

Patient may die within hours to days

Patient may die while you are present

Support for the patient

Support for loved ones

Many emotions may be involved

You are the eyes and ears for hospice

A trifecta of gifts!

What to What to bringbring

Notepad and pen

Be dressed properly/Badge

Bottle of waterPatient’s informationAppropriate phone

numbers

Disinfectant

Bring an open heart!

A Book

Wear a watch

A stuffed animal

Soothing music

General knowledge

• Boundaries!

• Hospice protocol

• The process of dying

• Basic familiarity with medications commonly used at the end of life

• What type of residence, after hours access

• In case of a facility – name, full address and phone number

• Where to park, parking meters

• Special considerations

• Who is on call after hours

• Who is on the patient’s care team

• Family dynamics

• Children and pets

• Some of the patient’s history

• Patient’s diagnosis, status, gender and age

• Patient’s full name, phone number and address

Patient specific information:

IntroductionsIntroductions

At a facility: Reception desk/guestbook Emergency exits Nurses’ station

Meeting the patient and/or loved Meeting the patient and/or loved ones:ones:

Badge Disinfect Be in patient’s field of vision Do not tower over a patient Address the patient appropriately Short, clear sentences Introducing on a personal level Write down your name Ask questions

Be responsible for the energy that you bring!

• May be implemented with patients who are unconscious/unresponsive• May make the patient physically aware of your presence • May be comforting to loved ones

Introduce yourself to patient’s care team

Explain how long you will be there

Explain your scope as a volunteer

Working with staff members

If you think that the patient needs something, explain why

Offer staff members “alone time” with the patient

Keep staff members updated

Thank staff members after your shift ends

Working with staff members

Be respectful and show tact

Do not make assumptions

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